[William Harvey: his life and his works (Part I)].

William Harvey's biography is briefly summarized in this essay. The author shows a bird's-eye view of the 16th and the 17th centuries, with regard to the transformations which occurred in science, and narrates Harvey's life. A short description is given of his precursors and their ideas. His most important works are analysed, as well as contemporary scientists' reactions to them. Special emphasis was laid on the discovery of the blood circulation.